Preview: Kotoko look to overcome off-field problems

Asante Kotoko will look to focus on maintaining their grip at the top of the table with off-field disciplinary issues having engulfed the club.

The Porcupine Warriors are aware that failure to get themselves ready for the league competition will see in-form new contenders AshantiGold piling the pressure on their 10-point lead in the Glo Premier League.

Head coach Maxwell Konadu is serving a two-game ban while the club struggles to come to terms with FIFA’s directive to pay €99,000 as compensation to former coach Hans Dieter Schmidt within 30 days or risk being relegated to the lower division.

With New Edubiase visiting them at the Baba Yara Stadium, Kotoko, who will have Konadu begin serving his suspension will attempt to put their problems behind them and play for a win.

AshantiGold, fresh from their sixth consecutive win, will attempt to go one better when they take on bottom side, Bechem United at the Len Clay Stadium to keep their ambitions alive.

C.K. Akunnor will be pushing for a first win in his second game in charge of Hearts of Oak when the Phobians travel to the Agyemang Badu Park to meet Aduana Stars.

The ex-international’s opening game as coach of Hearts ended in defeat which has seen them slip from second to fourth and 12 points off the top.

Champions, Berekum Chelsea will be looking to claw back into the top-four when they meet Ebusua Dwarfs at the Golden City Park.

Relegation-threatened Wassaman go to the Wa Park to play All Stars have fallen out of the top-four after a a run of poor results.

Fresh from their Accra derby victory against Hearts of Oak, Liberty Professionals have any city clash to deal with when they welcome Mighty Jets to the Carl Reindorf Park.

Tema Youth and Heart of Lions will be in action at the Tema Park where both teams will be trying to push up into the mid-table rank on the standings.

Finally, Medeama play at home to second from bottom, Berekum Arsenal at the Tarkwa T&A Park.